We researched options of various sizes and materials with standout features. Our top choice is the Orbitkey Desk Mat, which boasts a water-repellent, easy-to-clean design and a magnetic cable holder. It’s made of smooth vegan leather and has a soft felt backing to protect the surface underneath from scratches, knicks, ink, and spills. The water-repellent material is also super easy to wipe clean. Notable features include a magnetic cable holder you can move along the toolbar to keep your cords tangle-free and in place. There’s also a hidden layer for stashing important papers or post-it notes you want handy but out of the way. This desk mat doesn’t have a non-slip backing, but the weight of your keyboard should prevent it from sliding around. And while the price is steep, we think it’s worth the investment. Price at time of publish: $80 for a Medium size Though it only comes in one size, it should fit most desks. While cork is naturally water-resistant, you’ll want to make sure you wipe up any spills ASAP, as this desk mat can develop marks if liquids are left to sit and soak in. Price at time of publish: $9 You can choose from five neutral, sophisticated hues and even get it engraved with a monogram, motivational quote, or special gift message. Though it feels like a total luxury, the price is reasonable—but you’ll pay about double if you opt for engraving. Price at time of publish: $48 This mat is easy to clean with a handheld vacuum or a damp cloth. Your mouse will move around friction-free, while grippy rubber dots on the back prevent the entire thing from sliding around. Price at time of publish: $50 for a Large size This desk mat is made of durable, easy-to-clean vegan leather. Though it doesn’t have a non-slip backing, the material is water-repellent, oil-proof, and resistant to high heat. Price at time of publish: $29 for a Large size This mat made of soft, smooth polyester and has a non-slip rubber backing. While this product is spill-resistant, easy to clean, and conveniently rollable, you should know the stitched edges may fray over time. Price at time of publish: $20 There’s no grippy backing, but the natural weight of the leather prevents it from sliding around. This desk protector comes in five handsome hues, and you can even personalize it with a debossed monogram. Price at time of publish: $150 for a Signature Collection mat It’s easy to lift, but thanks to an invisible non-slip backing, it stays firmly in place under your mouse and keyboard. This product is also treated with Microban antimicrobial protection to keep bacteria and mold at bay. Just a heads up, it’s not recommended for lacquered desks or surfaces with acrylic finishes. Made of cushioned vegan leather, this desk protector is waterproof and scratch-resistant, while a non-slip backing prevents it from sliding around. The micro-textured, flat surface also doubles as a smooth-gliding mouse pad. The reversible Ysagi Desk Mat is smooth on one side and slightly textured on the other. Made of durable vegan leather, it’s also 100 percent waterproof, scratch-resistant, and rollable for enhanced portability and convenient storage. The feature-rich design boasts two USB ports, customizable multi-zone lighting with 12 onboard profiles, and handy push controls on the side. It’s made of a plush woven cloth for better mouse gliding and enhanced comfort, while a grippy rubber backing ensures it stays in place. Blakey is a fan of water-resistant full-grain leather, though she says synthetic options can be excellent too. Some feature a combination of materials, like the Orbitkey Desk Mat, which has a smooth faux leather surface and a protective felt backing.
Size and Thickness
When browsing options, consider what size you need. This should go without saying, but larger desks will generally require larger mats, and smaller workstations will need smaller ones. But most importantly, it should fit what you plan to place on top, such as a keyboard, mouse, charging station, or even a desktop monitor. Desk mats should also offer some cushioning without being overly thick. Most are between 0.05 to 0.2 inches thick (or roughly 1 to 5 millimeters). Thinner designs are often rollable, like the Logitech Studio Series Desk Mat.
Shape and Design
Desk mats are typically rectangular to ensure a good fit and a cohesive look on most desks. Some have rounded corners, and others feature a clean-lined aesthetic. Most are relatively simple-looking, as they’re generally not considered decorative. However, a high-end design like the Leatherology Classic Leather Desk Pad can certainly enhance the overall look of your workspace.
Writing Surface
If you plan to use your desk mat for writing, Blakey recommends a “surface that is smooth and provides grip to prevent things from sliding around.” It should offer some padding without being so thick that the tip of your pen or pencil sinks in. The Ysagi Desk Mat Blotter Protector is ideal for this purpose, as it’s just 2 millimeters thick and designed to protect your desk from ink stains and scratches.
Features
You’ll also find options with useful features, like a built-in charging station or customizable lighting, as with the Corsair RGB Extended Gaming Mouse Pad. “Some desk mats include organizing bells and whistles, such as cord organizers and a place to rest your pen,” says Blakey.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product tester specializing in home goods, lifestyle, and remote work. For this story, she interviewed Holly Blakey of Breathing Room, a professional organizer and interior stylist specializing in space design. She considered dozens of desk mats from various brands and retailers, narrowing it down to durable, functional, versatile designs with standout features. Theresa covers home decor, furniture, organizational products, and storage solutions at The Spruce. According to Blakey, desk mats also help you keep things organized while defining your workspace. “It’s a great way to not let everything else take over your desk, especially since this is a space where you need to stay focused,” she says.
